Geronimo's story began in a Texas cotton field. The son of migrant farmworkers, he was soon a boy earning a man's wage picking various crops alongside his family across the U.S. He dropped out of school in the 10th grade to help support his family after his brother became ill. Although he wasn't able to finish school, he never lost his interest in learning. Driven by a consistent desire to further his own education, he could recite Mexican poetry by heart and succeeded in teaching himself several languages through phrase books, cassette tapes, and osmosis.
A true warrior of Apache descent, Geronimo was a veteran of the Korean War, did five tours of duty in Vietnam, and was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division (Currahee!) He served 23 years, earning several commendations and medals including multiple Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, an Army Air Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge (with one star.) After retiring, he established a career as an airframe inspector and maintenance instructor, traveling, “everywhere in the world the United States military has aircraft.”
He will be remembered for his courageous and wanderlust spirit. a prolific storyteller, incorrigible jokester, patient teacher, expert mechanic, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and a lover of all things lemon (especially pie, minus the meringue.) He never left home in a pair of shorts and was the snazziest guy in the physical therapy gym, dressed in slacks, a pocketed button up shirt, Cole Haans and Apple Watch. He lived a colorful life, making lifelong friends everywhere he went. He delighted in surprising you with unannounced visits during his endless travels.
Geronimo is preceded in death and welcomed into Heaven by his parents, brothers, numerous cousins, friends, and his beloved wife of 30 years, Mansuk. Loved ones who will miss him deeply include his daughters Caroline Perez, Jerry Sue Perez, Arlene Radley and Yolanda Cepak; sons David Perez and Geronimo Perez, Jr.; sisters Paulita Espericueta and Maggie Alaniz; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Park on Sunday, August 8th starting at 1pm, followed by a service at 3pm. A gravesite service with full military honors will be the following morning at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
